A rescued Philippine hawk-eagle in Barangay San Jose Lower in Bulusan town, Sorsogon has been turned over to the Albay Park and Wildlife for treatment and rehabilitation.
Francisco Milla Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol director, told the Inquirer in a phone interview on Monday that concerned residents found the hawk-eagle weak on Oct. 9 near a river and struggling to fly.
‘When they approached and examined it, they noticed that one of its legs was swollen and appeared broken, preventing it from moving properly,’ Milla said.
‘Once it fully recovers, we will release it back in Bulusan, which serves as its natural habitat,’ Milla added.
He urged the public that if they encounter this species, they should not harm it and must immediately report it to authorities for proper disposition.
‘The Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) is listed under [ Department Administrative Order ] No. 2019-09 and classified as an endangered species. Let us conserve and protect them and continue supporting our Wildlife Conservation Program,’ he said.